Peter Aston, Trading Standards Team Manager, said: “The United Kingdom has been rabies free for a considerable amount of time thanks in part to the very strict rabies controls in place.

“Not only did this airline import animals illegally from Morocco, a high risk country for rabies, it continued to flout regulations and ignore our warnings. I hope this sentence acts as a deterrent to other airlines and demonstrates the importance of complying with regulations.”

“If you are travelling with pets, I urge you to make sure they are properly vaccinated and have had the all the necessary checks.”

{https://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/news/transport/gatwick-airport-passengers-not-entitled-to-compensation-due-to-extraordinary-circumstances-1-8746713 Gatwick Airport passengers not entitled to compensation due to ‘extraordinary circumstances’}

Royal Air Maroc was fined £20,000 in relation to the landing of September 22, 2017. It was also ordered to pay full costs of £1,776.99 to West Sussex County Council for bringing the matter before the courts.

The airline was then fined £30,000 regarding the landing in January 3, 2018. Full costs of £491 were once again awarded to the county council and the company was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120.

One of the dogs was exported to Morocco, while the other was picked up by its owner after being quarantined.

Public Health England classifies Morocco as high risk for rabies in wild and companion animals.

Blood tests must take place after the rabies vaccination has been given to animals to ensure the required antibodies are present to protect it.